Most users faced this kind of issue after upgrading their laptop/ PC to Microsoft’s new Windows 11 OS. Now, there can be a multitude of reasons why the Cisco AnyConnect client would not work or respond in Windows 11. These include the inability of the Cisco AnyConnect client to connect to its respective VPN server, misconfigured VPN settings in Windows 11, connectivity issues, and many others. So, if you are someone who is facing issues with the Cisco AnyConnect client on your Windows 11 device, this guide will surely help you. In this article, we have listed a few methods to fix the Cisco AnyConnect client not working in Windows 11 issue. Read the article till the end to know how you can fix the Cisco AnyConnect client in Windows 11 and get it up and running again.
Fix Cisco AnyConnect in Windows 11 in 2022
Fix Cisco AnyConnect in Windows 11 in 2022
Now, below we have listed a few methods that you can try when the Cisco AnyConnect client stops working on your Windows 11 device. However, before you move on to those, it is worth mentioning that if you have any VPN client other the Cisco AnyConnect, it might interfere with the Cisco AnyConnect client and prevent it from properly functioning on your Windows 11 laptop or PC. Hence, before moving on to the troubleshooting methods listed below, make sure you disable the other VPN client on your device and try running the Cisco AnyConnect client. If that fix works, you won’t be needing the fixes listed below. On the contrary, move on to the following fixes for the Cisco AnyConnect client not working issue.
1. Allow Cisco AnyConnect Through Windows Firewall
Now, when the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client stops working on your Windows 11 PC, especially after an update, the first thing you should try is to check whether the Cisco app is allowed in Windows Defender settings. You see, after a Windows update, many of your system settings and preferences might be switched to default, including Windows Firewall settings. In this case, third-party apps like Cisco AnyConnect might get disallowed for free traffic through Windows Firewall, meaning that when the program tried to operate, Windows Defender will prevent it to do so. Hence, before making changes to the Cisco client, make sure it is allowed through Windows Firewall. To do that, follow the steps right below.
2. Repair Cisco AnyConnect Client in Windows 11
If allowing the Cisco AnyConnect client through Windows Firewall did not resolve the issue, you can try repairing the installation of the program from the Control Panel in Windows 11. The steps to repair the installation of the Cisco client in Windows 11 are fairly easy and it works like a charm in most cases as it eliminates minor issues in the client and restores its functionalities. So, to repair the Cisco AnyConnect client installation in Windows 11, use the following steps:
3. Update Virtual Network Adapter in Windows 11
Now, if the above two fixes failed to resolve the issues in the Cisco AnyConnect client in Windows 11, updating its virtual network adapter might be of some help. Much like other high-end VPN solutions in the market, Cisco AnyConnect also comes with a specific virtual network adapter that aids the client’s operations in Windows. Hence, an outdated virtual network adapter is another common cause that might prevent the Cisco AnyConnect client to run in Windows 11. In this case, you can update the virtual network adapter in Windows 11 from the Device Manager of your PC or laptop. To do that, follow the steps right below:
4. Use Windows Registry to Repair Cisco AnyConnect in Windows 11
After trying out the above fixes on your Windows 11 laptop/ PC, if you are still stuck with a non-functional Cisco AnyConnect client, it is time to pull out the big gun and that is Windows Registry. You can use Windows Registry to repair the Cisco client in Windows 11 to resolve most issues. However, before moving on, it is worth noting that incorrect tweaks/ edits in Windows Registry might cause a system failure. Hence, proceed with caution and try to stick to the steps exactly as they are. Now, to repair the Cisco AnyConnect client using Windows Registry edit, follow the steps right below:
5. Clean Re-install the Cisco AnyConnect Client in Windows 11
If all of the above methods to fix the Cisco AnyConnect client in Windows 11 fail, the last thing you can do is perform a clean reinstallation of the program on your PC or laptop. A clean re-install refers to the process of completely uninstalling a program on your PC, including saved files and data, and reinstalling it from scratch. So, as you can imagine, to perform a clean re-install, you must first perform a clean uninstallation of the Cisco AnyConnect client in Windows 11. To do that, follow the steps right below.
Is Cisco AnyConnect compatible with Windows 11?
Previous versions of the Cisco AnyConnect Mobility client might not work with Windows 11. So, if you face any compatibility issues with Cisco AnyConnect after upgrading to Windows 11, you might need to downgrade your OS or upgrade the Cisco AnyConnect client to the latest version.
Why is Cisco AnyConnect not running on my Windows 11 laptop?
There can be a plethora of reasons why the Cisco AnyConnect Mobility client is not working on your Windows 11 device, including misconfigured Windows Defender settings, minor issues in the installation files of the Cisco AnyConnect client, and many others.
How to use Windows VPN instead of Cisco AnyConnect in Windows 11?
If you already have the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client installed on your Windows 11 device, unfortunately, it will not be possible to replace the Cisco client with a standard Windows VPN on your device.
Wrapping Up
Wrapping Up
So, this was all about some of the best fixes that you can try when the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client stops working in Windows 11. We hope one of the above methods helps you resolve the issue with the VPN program and get it up and running on your device again. However, if all the listed fixes fail for you, you can refer to the official troubleshooting guide for the Cisco AnyConnect Mobility client from right here. You can also check out other Windows-related guides on our platform and let us know what we should cover next in the comments. We’ll see you at the next one.
